Community Forums

Brutas · 10-27-2018, 01:21 PM

We are in the process of purchasing a new to us Class A Holiday Rambler. We would like to store it in the back yard however we have very little flat space. Would it do any damage to store on a slope? I have heard it is not good for the refrigerator. However it is just for storing and will not be running.
Thank you

BFlinn181 · 10-27-2018, 02:07 PM

Storing on a slope shouldn't be an issue. The fridge should be only used with less than a 2% slope or so, but you said you wouldn't use it except on a level surface. When stored on the slope, make sure all window weep holes are open to allow water to drain, all other seams and drains not blocked to cause water back up. Also, don't park the RV in a spot that has the frame twisted. That could cause the windshield to leak or even pop out of the frame.

kenandterry · 10-27-2018, 02:24 PM

Not to cause an argument here but.....

We parked our rig in our driveway.....which was sloped. It was late in the season, and we only got out a couple of times to check things over while under warranty. Each time we went out camping.....our fridge wouldn’t work. We thankfully had hard sided coolers for our stuff. I just added the “fridge doesn’t work” to our list of warranty work over the winter for the dealer.

Come spring, everything on our list was corrected, however, the service department reported they tested the fridge and it worked perfectly. “You can’t fix what ain’t broke”.

I’m fairly convinced that because our RV fridge is a standard RV fridge and runs on electricity and propane, we have an absorption fridge, and if they are off level for a prolonged period of time, you COULD have troubles. Just how off level are you planning on being for storage?

That’s my input.

BFlinn181 · 10-27-2018, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Not to cause an argument here but.....

We parked our rig in our driveway.....which was sloped. It was late in the season, and we only got out a couple of times to check things over while under warranty. Each time we went out camping.....our fridge wouldn’t work. We thankfully had hard sided coolers for our stuff. I just added the “fridge doesn’t work” to our list of warranty work over the winter for the dealer.

Come spring, everything on our list was corrected, however, the service department reported they tested the fridge and it worked perfectly. “You can’t fix what ain’t broke”.

I’m fairly convinced that because our RV fridge is a standard RV fridge and runs on electricity and propane, we have an absorption fridge, and if they are off level for a prolonged period of time, you COULD have troubles. Just how off level are you planning on being for storage?

That’s my input.

An absorption refrigerator has no pump or compressor. It boils a liquid vaporizes and rises to the top, condenses, then travels down gently sloped tubes to the boiler again. If the refrigerator is tilted, the liquid might not drain down the tubes to the boiler. That's why you shouldn't use an absorption fridge on a slope. When the refrigerator is off, you could store it at any angle and it will do no harm.

ThePowells · 10-27-2018, 05:17 PM

Welcome to the forum!

We have a house fridge so I have nothing constructive to add, nor is there any comedic material....

baraff · 10-27-2018, 06:02 PM

We also have a sloped driveway...in two directions. I don't like to keep our motorhome in the drive for more a couple days, because I think it puts a strain on the tires on the lower side in the rear, twists the frame a bit, and puts a lot of stress on the suspension. Maybe I'm a little overly concerned, but I had all four rear tires fail, one at a time, between 26,000 -30,000 miles due to belt separation. And we were far from overloaded. I think it might have been overload stress on the tires in storage due to the uneven slope.
Or they could have been defective tires. Who knows?
But at the very least I would make sure that the RV is leveled so that it is not stressing one side or the other.
As far as the fridge goes, (when in operation) Norcold says 6º front to rear, 3º side to side, as viewed from the FRONT of the fridge. Exceed that and you run the risk of clogging up your fridge tubes, possibly permanently.

tbos1958 · 10-27-2018, 07:08 PM

Why not level it in your yard/driveway? Then you won’t have to worry about it. You could even have a set of blocks and or ramps you keep at home and only use there.

Old-Biscuit · 10-27-2018, 07:25 PM

Running an absorption fridge off level disrupts the gravity flow of coolant...causes overheating issues within the cooling unit which causes crystals to plate out on inside of tubes/boiler....accumulative and permanent

If fridge is OFF..........nothing happens, no heat to cause overheating so no harm/no foul

Store your RV where it is convenient for you...and nothing is more convenient then at home (even if a bit sloped)

MSHappyCampers · 10-28-2018, 10:07 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! There's not problem as long as you leave the fridge turned off. Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

mobilemike · 10-28-2018, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbos1958

Why not level it in your yard/driveway? Then you won’t have to worry about it. You could even have a set of blocks and or ramps you keep at home and only use there.

THIS!

KSagal · 10-28-2018, 10:43 AM

I agree that it is not difficult to level the motor home on a slope.

Simply take some 2/12 pressure treat lumber, cut them at 45 degree angle, and stack what you need to stack. I have done this before, and carry them for when camping on a non level spot. I see no reason you cannot park on them as well.

Be sure to support all tires, if the motor home sits on the tires. (I built a pole barn for mine, and use the corner jacks to take some of the weight, so some is on the tires, some is on the jacks.)

Good luck.

Mr_D · 10-28-2018, 11:00 AM

Stored our '02 DSDP in the side yard for many years with the refer on. To level the rig I had to lift the front tires completely off the ground for 6 mo's at a time (subject for another thread). The refer did spring a leak so I replaced the cooling unit. Should have gone to a home refer instead.

Glenn and Kathy · 10-28-2018, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbos1958

Why not level it in your yard/driveway? Then you won’t have to worry about it. You could even have a set of blocks and or ramps you keep at home and only use there.

That's what I did at a previous location. 3' ramp for left rear, 12' ramp for left front and a 9' ramp for right front. Backed past storage spot, set up ramps, drive forward onto ramps, coach sat dead level, no strain.

Glenn